Young people, innovation and sustainability the focus of CDP’s Multistakeholder Forum

Young people, innovation and sustainability the focus of CDP’s Multistakeholder Forum

The expectations and fears of young people in the face of the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the evolution of their approach to sustainability issues. These were the two topics discussed at the third edition of the Multistakeholder Forum, CDP's annual event that took place on Thursday, 30 January at the headquarters of Borsa Italiana in Milan.

The discussion with experts, representatives of the academic world and an audience full of young people centred on the future of sustainability in a changing world, the impact of artificial intelligence on society and people and the evolution of the role of institutions, with a particular focus on the expectations of younger generations.

Opening the proceedings, moderated by science communicator Barbara Gallavotti, was a speech by CEO Dario Scannapieco, who stressed the importance of a pragmatic approach in light of recent geopolitical developments. "We have chosen to maintain our commitments and objectives in order to continue to do our part and increase our role in the service of the country, aware of the great challenges that await us", he affirmed. "We must finance concrete projects and work as a team in Italy and Europe to adapt to a changing environment”.

Elena Shneiwer,ESG Engagement Manager, then presented the BVA Doxa survey entitled “Italian views of sustainability and artificial intelligence: comparing generations”, which explores Italians’ relationships with sustainability and new technologies, especially those of younger generations. The study shows a similar level of knowledge or interest among the various generations when it comes to environmental and social issues, with one difference: the under-35s have developed a more concrete and mature approach to ESG objectives than in the past.

These topics were taken up during the talk by Dante Roscini, Professor of Management Practice of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, who analysed the evolution of ESG factors over time, the differences in sensitivity and regulation between Europe and the United States, and the role of technology in facilitating a sustainable transition.

On stage, the question "Youth, sustainability and new technologies. What role for finance?" was discussed by panellists Giovanni Azzone, President of ACRI and Fondazione Cariplo, Francesca Dominici, Professor of Biostatistics and Director of the Harvard Data Science Initiative, Costanza Carmignani, university student, Donatella Sciuto, Rector of Milan Polytechnic, and Fabrizio Testa, CEO of Borsa Italiana.

In his closing remarks, Chairman Giovanni Gorno Tempini noted that "Sustainability is at a crossroads worldwide: we must ask ourselves about the approach to follow to combine it with competitiveness and growth". Then, referring to young people, he concluded: "They remind us that this is a common goal that should leave no one behind”.

After the general session, the afternoon was devoted to two closed-door events: the presentation of the 2025-2027 CDP Group ESG Plan to selected representatives of ESG stakeholders and civil society, and a panel on sustainable finance organised in conjunction with Borsa Italiana.

Read the press release of the Multistakeholder Forum here 

For more details on the event and to learn more about the results of the BVA DOXA study, visit the dedicated landing page

Below are contributions written by some of the young students in the audience, recounting the issues addressed during the Multistakeholder Forum from their own perspective.

 

The skills of the future

Alessandra Lombardi, student of the Master in Transformative Sustainability: "The skills of the future will have two fundamental characteristics: they will be interdisciplinary and deeply linked to the individual. In today's ever-changing world, it’s no longer sufficient to specialise in one area but instead is essential to integrate different skills and abilities. At the same time, artificial intelligence will revolutionise many professions, automating processes and filling any technical gaps. However, what AI cannot replace are human and relational skills. Negotiation, conflict management and empathy will be crucial skills to deal with the challenges of the future and drive sustainable development, balancing technological innovation, economic progress and social responsibility”.
The contribution of young people for a more sustainable future

Elena Morale, student of the Master in Sustainable Business Administration: "Young people today are well aware of the need for action to counteract the damage caused by human activity on the planet. Participation and political activism can stimulate change, focusing public debate on key social and environmental issues, thus influencing policy. The introduction of sustainability education could educate the public to be more responsible and aware of their daily choices, promoting more inclusive and responsible lifestyles. Furthermore, technological innovation can offer new solutions to complex challenges such as resource scarcity and the production of renewable energy”. 
The impact of artificial intelligence

Matteo Guglielmo Maria Scaccabarozzi, student of the Master in Sustainable Business Administration: "In the near future artificial intelligence will revolutionise our daily lives and the way we work. It will benefit society and free us from repetitive, boring, dangerous tasks, allowing us to devote ourselves to more creative and strategic activities. The costs and benefits of such technology will obviously have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and dissociating behaviour such as social isolation, dependency and loss of autonomy, distortion of perception of reality and dehumanisation of interactions will have to be avoided”.
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